2017 Hall of Fame
Bob Grauberger
Bob Grauberger proposed and founded Relief for Employees to Aid Catastrophic Hardships (REACH). It was approved by KCP&L in 2005 and established in 2008. The foundation provides employee assistance and funds that help trade members and their families in times of need. Grauberger made it possible to not only provide financial assistance, but to provide peace of mind and comfort to lineman and their families while experiencing hardships.
Tony Jordan
Tony Jordan is currently the Operations Skills Development Coordinator for Cobb EMC and is responsible for training the apprentice lineman and teaching them safety above all. He is always packed and ready to work when a storm hits. Ice storm, Tony grabs his snow chains, hurricane he grabs his snake chaps and tornadoes, Tony grabs everything.
Woodie Wilson
Woodie Wilson has spent his career working directly with line crews to complete job tasks with efficiency and safety. As a Senior Safety and Training Specialist, Woodie has influenced safety on a local, regional, national, and international level. His knowledge in the industry has qualified him to serve as a Judge and Chief Judge for the APPA Rodeo Competition.
Joe Young
Joe Young’s passion for linework included building, maintaining, repairing lines and helping communities through Gainesville Regional Utilities. Young repeatedly volunteered for mutual aid work in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Kentucky, Maryland, and New Jersey, providing relief for these states after storms. Joe was always eager to help during these times and constantly ensuring the safety and welfare of his coworkers.
Michael Byrd
Mike Byrd was a lineman, crew leader and instructor for 25 years with Carolina Power & Light before pursuing a position as Safety Coordinator of Line Schools and Safety support for the Municipalities in North Carolina at ElectriCities. Mike was instrumental in redesigning the Electric Lineman Academy as well as line technology education. While teaching the young and older lineman, each class heard, “I don’t want to be the best lineman; I want to be the oldest.” Mike finished his career as the Manager of Safety & Training.
William Dwain Edwards
William Dwain Edwards life as a lineman began in 1960. He epitomized not only what it meant to be a lineman, but also the ingenuity and hard work America is known for. He borrowed money from his mother and bought his first line (digger derrick) truck and pick up. While Edward’s owned his own company, River City Construction, his greatest satisfaction came from figuring out the safest and simplest ways to complete projects with the limited resources his company had.
